Is this a US reaction to this word? Here in the UK, I haven’t come across any aversion to the word (though it has to be explained!) I’m leading an apologetics course in my church - and that does not mean I’m pushing a particular view. I am encouraging people to think through their faith, to be respectful of others and to then not miss the real point while arguing! That is what I mean by apologetics. We call it “Confidence in the Truth” - and it includes the idea that science and theology can support each other so we don’t have to be embarrassed by any apparent conflict. We just have to consider rethinking our assumptions!